Today, I finally mated the 2012 AF 1150 with our new 2015 GMC Denali 3500 DRW D/W and took them both on the road for a 45 minute ride. I had already installed the TorkLift StableLoads and really felt the ride was very smooth and handled the curves very well. I also felt the camper is extreamly stable on the truck, with no shifting at all.My only concern is that I feel the truck is riding lower than I think it should. I took measurements from the ground to the wheelwell, before and after installing the camper.Before AfterDF - 39-1/8" DF - 39-1/8"DR - 41-7/8" DR - 39-1/8"PF - 39-1/8" PF - 39"PR - 41-3/4" PR - 38-7/8"My question is, what additional modification would you recommend next? My first ideas are either adding to my springs or air bags. My shocks are stock, should they be replaced?I'm including a couple of pics for you to see how the truck is sitting and I appreciate your help.Thank YouKen

If you like the ride damping then the shocks are probably ok. Are you going to tow? is the tow wieght going to be consistant? If you are not going to tow or if you are and the weight is consistant I would probably have a shop add a leaf(s) to the spring pack. If like me your load is going to vary all over the place due to the trailer and how many horses I load, plus with just the tc and no trailer my ride is spot on level and comfortable, airbags may be the better choice.

I don't know but the limited amount the truck has lowered would make it more level than when empty. Was the camper loaded with all you gear, passengers and a tank of water? If so and it handled well,no big bounce or porpoising, then you don't seem to have much to worry about? I'm sure there's more you could add to your truck but why go to the expense and hassle if it rides, handles and stops well? Maybe try a trip and see how it feels then think about or ask about what your options are rather than jump in and add equipment you may be just fine without. I'm sure you'll get plenty of suggestions for plenty of adjustments that will help you decide what, if anything, more you need to do. Personally, I don't like spending other people's money.

It looks real good to me. My RAM drops 4 1/2" . My campers not level and my mudflaps drag on the ground often.

Hi to fellow Michigander! I agree with trailgranny50. I have the same TC and similar setup as you and I was ready to just start throwing more money at the truck and getting all the 'stuff'. It was suggested to try the rig a few times and it rides fine with just the stableloads and the stock sway bar. I still get tempted to add more things (rancho shocks, Hellwig Big Wig, air bags, the kitchen sink...etc) but if it ain't broke don't fix it! I don't think its unreasonable to put a 5000 lb TC in our truck and see it lower a little. Your measurements don't seem extreme to me. When the time comes my next change might be to 19.5 tires...more for the longevity and durability on these crappy Michigan roads.

Together For The First Time, Now What? | Good Sam Community

kerry4951
Explorer
Sep 18, 2015
Im so glad I went with Supersprings. My 09 Silverado dually, which isnt rated anything near the payload numbers of the newer trucks, always rides higher in the rear when loaded with the heaviest TC that AF makes. While others worry about their back ends sagging Im trying to figure out how to get mine down a little more.
Super_Dave
Explorer
Sep 18, 2015
Late to the party but I'd look to see if your overload springs are engaged. If they aren't, I wouldn't worry at all about sag and just address the bump stop extensions to get the overloads engaged.
Nautique200
Explorer
Sep 17, 2015
Hey Just checking in on your new truck. How are you liking the Duramax/Alison combo? Are you towing anything with it?
hedgehopper
Explorer
Sep 06, 2015
From your photos, your before-and-after measurements, and your description of the ride and handling, I think your truck is just fine as is. And all four wheel-well clearances are essentially equal. What is your reason for thinking the rear is too low?

Looking at the pictures, my only concern would be having the camper CG behind the rear axle. However, based on your measurements, the weight of the camper is virtually all on the rear axle. So the camper CG must be pretty close to directly above the axle. So I don't see a problem.
arto_wa
Explorer
Sep 05, 2015
Roadlover wrote:
My question is, what additional modification would you recommend next? My first ideas are either adding to my springs or air bags. My shocks are stock, should they be replaced?

Thank You
Ken

I would suggest finding out what options are available adding another leaf or two to the factory overload springs.

It will not affect unloaded ride quality if done properly.

I am skeptical of using rubber bump stops to carry the load, since no pickup manufacturer is using that concept as OEM solution as far as I know.
MORSNOW
Navigator II
Sep 03, 2015
I don't have near the load as you, but I'm another vote for Timbrens. I have about a 2" gap when unloaded so they don't affect my comfortable ride, when loaded and my lower StableLoads engaged the Timbrens are just touching. My truck sits nice and level even with my 16' trailer and no added sway that some get with airbags.
sleepy
Explorer
Sep 03, 2015
I personally would just use it a while.... it looks to me like you have a good set up now.

Remember... 1/2 the mods you can still make willl decrease the preformance that you already have.

and many won't do anything at all except take your money.

Have fun camping... why pick at it if it ain't broke?

Sleepy
usmcshepherd
Explorer II
Sep 03, 2015
Personally I love the Timbren alternative! I have them on my truck and I'm carrying Lance's largest camper (2016 1172 w/ just about every option plus some)! I'd do the timbren's first and if you need more support then break into the spring pack!
Roadlover
Explorer
Sep 02, 2015
Reddog1 wrote:
Buzzcut1 - Thanks for the help with the photos.

Roadlover - Edit your post, and you will see the changes Buzz made in the photo links.

Wayne

Thank you Buzzcut and Reddog, I had tried to do this properly but obviously not properly enough.

I've just read a little on the Timbren and they seem to accomplish much of what I'm looking for but at far less the cost and far easier to install. I'm not trying to go cheep if cheep in this case is, you get what you paid for, but they will perform with the result some are talking about, is Timbren a good alternative?

Thanks ,
Ken
Eric_Lisa
Explorer II
Sep 02, 2015
joe123 wrote:
You look overloaded to me and what about rear loading are you behind your rear axle to much.

Question... If a brand new 1-ton dually is overloaded with this camper, just what sort of truck is it supposed to be put on?

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